Some of the Most Frequently Asked Résumé Questions In my almost ten years of crafting résumés and facilitating résumé workshops, there are some questions that are asked over and over again.
I thought I'd share the questions - and the answers - with you.
Q.
How many résumés do I need? A.
That depends.
In the current workplace climate, one size or, in this case one résumé, rarely fits all.
At the very minimum, have one current "foundation" résumé that can be adapted or "tweaked" in the direction of a specific opportunity or job.
Save each "feeder" version under an easy to identify file name.
Q.
Is two pages okay? I've heard a résumé should be only one page.
A.
Two pages are fine, as long as the information is substantive and relevant.
If your attempt at keeping it to one page means almost non-existent margins, a two-page, well-formatted résumé is preferable (and easier to read!).
Size doesn't matter; substance does.
Substance can be well summarized and represented in two pages.
Q.
How far back should I go (as far as dates and previous work experience)? A.
Employers are most interested in what you've done lately, rather than how long you've been doing it or something like it.
In general, the last 10 - 12 years carry the most weight in a chronological résumé, and space should be allocated accordingly.
If a field in which you worked or position you held 20+ years ago is relevant to the position you're currently targeting, it's fine to include it.
If you prefer, you can reflect experience and contributions in functional résumé format, which doesn't correlate skills and aptitudes to a specific job or timeframe.
There are samples a plenty of both chronological and functional résumés (and hybrids) online.
Q.
Should I include the year I earned my college degree(s)? A.
If you have to ask, I can guess the decade(s) in which you graduated since it's the same decade as me.
There are several schools [pun intended] of thought on this.
To wit: new or recent college grads usually include the year; the farther removed you are from your date of graduation, the less likely to include it since it signals a)age, b) salary, and/or c) techno-aware.
There is truth to all of this, but it can also be misleading.
50-somethings can be recent college grads who are, like, totally LinkedIn! Some online sites now require a year of graduation.
If asked, tell.
No matter, if you're confident in your ability, your value and demonstrate how you can contribute, your résumé will reflect that.
In the end, the year your formal education ended will pale in comparison to your ongoing learning in life-and-work school! Q.
I've held multiple positions within the same company.
Do I have to include the company name with each position? A.
No.
Identify the company name with the current or latest position held.
Include the "from/to" dates for that position.
Then identify the next position name and dates.
Think of it this way: if you were married more than once, do you include all your names on your résumé? I don't.
Q.
Is it okay to include my volunteer work teaching Bible school, or work I do with certain political and/or religious groups? A.
Again, that depends.
The job of a résumé is to screen candidates, and a good, targeted résumé will serve to screen a candidate in rather than out.
Software and keywords, programmed by people, are often the first "gatekeepers.
" Hiring managers are people, and they can elect to screen - in or out - for certain qualifications, identifiers, markers.
Trust your instincts.
If you feel wary, you may chose to omit that information On the other hand, if you're looking for a job with a religious institution - or as a teacher, include the Bible school experience.
The same is true for politics and other cause-specific associations or affiliations.
Q.
Should References be included on a résumé? A.
Typically, no.
The résumé serves as a personalized marketing tool-cum-sales brochure, and the space should be devoted to the product, namely YOU.
Besides, it's understood that references will be made available if/when asked.
If, on the other hand, you use a verbatim testimonial from a former boss or direct report in your résumé, it would be appropriate to cite the source.
Then, there's always Facebook, LinkedIn and other social/business networking sites that serve up oodles of instant references! Q.
What about an Objective? Do I need one? I've seen résumés that have them.
A.
Me, too.
And they all say mostly the same thing: "To utilize my skills and abilities in a position with an opportunity for advancement blahblahblah.
" Which is why the Objective has become somewhat "objectionable.
" It doesn't tell the prospective employer/hiring manager anything unique about you, and takes up space in the document that could be used to better advantage.
If anything, it could read like a big yellow "STOP" sign for the reader.
In today's job market, a tailored cover letter is preferred.
Q.
Should I include a picture with my résumé? A.
Can you say "EEO?" In general, I don't recommend it.
If, however, you're looking for a position in television, modeling, etc.
you may be asked for one or you may elect to include one.
In that case, it's worth having a professional capture your professional image.
In the era of Google and Facebook, your picture is already out there, so make sure you're ready for your close up! Q.
Why do I need a current résumé if I already have a job? A.
If you have to ask, you're most likely not someone I'd want to hire.
Simply, here today..
..
gone tomorrow.
It's the same reason you want health insurance even if you're healthy: just in case.